Final Salute

Dippold, Lawrence C. REXFORD Lawrence C. Dippold died peacefully on September 24, 2022, with his loving family at his side. Larry was born on December 28, 1944, to his parents, Carl and Adelene. He grew up in Latham, and attended Shaker High School, where he was a star athlete on the swim team. He spent most of his free time helping his parents build and cultivate their beloved summer property at Cranberry Pond in Grafton. He loved the art of woodworking, and under his father’s mentorship, became known for his passion and skill for carpentry and construction. His admiration and knowledge of trees led him to enroll at SUNY College of Forestry, and he later transferred to Syracuse University. Following college, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalion, known as the “Seabees” in the Vietnam War, where he earned a bronze star. Upon returning from Vietnam, he went to work with his parents at United Progress, a STAR Building Systems Partner specializing in commercial steel construction. He met the love of his life, Dian Dunn, and they married in August 1970. Together, they settled in Clifton Park in the home Larry designed overlooking the Stony Creek reservoir, and raised two children, Cory and Jessica. Every summer, Larry and his family joined his parents and sister’s family back at Cranberry Pond, and the summer months were spent fishing, playing poker, splitting wood, and having piano sing-alongs. After his parents’ passing, he took over United Progress, and founded a second venture, Dippold & Company. Combined, these two businesses contributed to many notable Capital Region buildings, including the R.P.I. Fieldhouse, the Pine West Plaza, the Clifton Park Community Church, and the first Federal Express facility in Latham. He was devoted to work, but still found time to enjoy other things he loved, like goose-hunting in Maryland, fishing in Lake George, and toying around in his woodworking shop in the basement. Most of all, he just liked getting together with friends, or being “Grandpa Larry” to his grandkids and attending dance and piano recitals, swim meets, and golf matches. But Larry’s real legacy was the quality of his character. Everyone who knew Larry called him “the nicest guy you ever met.” The innumerable amount of family and friends – including “the group” – who steadfastly demonstrated their love and loyalty to Larry through good times and bad, is a testament to the kind of man he was, and the way he lived his life. He truly was someone who would have done anything to help anyone. He is survived by his son, Cory (Michele) Dippold; daughter, Jessica (John) Hirliman; and five cherished grandchildren, Gavin and Hayden Dippold, and Olive, Georgia, and Charlotte Hirliman. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Thomas Kiely; sister-in-law, Beverly “Nay” Dunn; nephews, Dave and Tom Kiely; and niece, Sheristin Tedesco. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Dian; and his brother-in-law, James Dunn. Friends and family are invited to call at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28. A memorial service with military honors will immediately follow at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Military Veteran Project at militaryveteranproject.org/donation. Visit Larry’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com